New twist in Welsh rugby row

THE row splitting Welsh rugby apart took a new twist tonight as the Welsh Rugby Union revealed it was to offer the four regions a new agreement.

The WRU met today for the first time since the regions missed the deadline of Tuesday night to sign a new participation agreement with the union for next season.

The regions have threatened to join a breakaway league with English clubs while it was thought the WRU would pull regional funding and set up new teams.

But tonight a WRU statement said: “The WRU has today informed the four Regional Organisations that they will shortly be presented with a new agreement in respect of professional rugby in Wales.

“A timetable for discussion has been provided by the WRU.

“The new agreement will further reflect the WRU’s desire to ensure that Welsh player development and the retention of Welsh players is properly recognised. This is in the best interests of all of rugby in Wales, from the grass roots to the international level.”